START PLANTING, OGSG URGES FARMERS

Farmers in Ogun State have been advised to start planting, as the raining season was around the corner.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo who gave the advice at a press conference organised by the Ministry, said the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has predicted early rainfall in most local government areas of the State, hence, the need for farmers to start planting their crops.

“The rains have started falling across the State. The rainy season is expected to end in November, except in Ewekoro, Abigi, Ipokia and Ota where it is predicted to end by first week in December,” the Commissioner said.

“Evidence shows that proper application of agro-metrological data to farming could increase crop yields by up to 35 percent or more, so, the importance of the press conference,” she said.

Speaking, the Director, Tree Crops and Focal Person for Climate Change. Mr. James Oyesola, said food production would be high across the State and country at large due to the predicted normal growing season length.

“The predicted normal rainfall across the country may lead to stability in reservoirs, thereby enhancing hydro-power plants, which will improve hydro-power generation,’’ the Director said.

He however warned that “warmer-than-normal” temperature conditions predicted for January to May this year might lead to outbreak of heat related diseases among people and livestock.